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  • Workers threaten governors over Buhari ’s pay directive

    Workers threaten governors over Buhari ’s pay directive

    Unionist: defaulters will be voted out

    Governors: President didn’t tell us to pay  all  salary arrears

    A row broke out yesterday over the President’s directive to governors on workers’ salaries.

    Governors said President Muhammadu Buhari did not say they should pay all arrears of salaries before Christmas.

    But workers threatened to vote out governors who may fail to pay.

    After a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday, President Buhari directed Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to release the balance of the Paris/London Club refund to states to enable them pay salaries.

    Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting.

    Yesterday, the governors denied that the President said they should pay all arrears of workers’ salaries before Christmas.

    Besides, a statement by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum secretariat said given the delay in the past between when the President gave a directive and the actual release of funds, the money might not get to the states before Christmas.

    This might have set a stage for a battle between the governors and workers.

    A Labour leader, Comrade Isa Aremu, said last night: Any governor who fails to pay workers before Christmas will be voted out.”

    The statement said: “The governors had expressed profound gratitude to the President for his magnanimity in hearkening to the needs of the states and understanding with them towards helping to solve some of the intractable financial problems of governance, top among which is the lingering problem of workers’ salaries.

    “They pledged, therefore, to  rise up to the occasion  collectively, as a mark of their respect for President Muhammadu Buhari and empathy for the workers by paying before Christmas, once the Finance, the Budget and Planning Ministries and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disburse the monies owed them, as instructed.”

    The governors recalled that the President had remarked that, ”I will not be saying much because the responsible ministers are here: Finance, Budget and Planning and the Central Bank of Nigeria.  I request you to appoint your own team to come and sit down with them (referring to the governors).

    “This should be done, not only for next year’s budget but for this Christmas. The Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning and the Central Bank should sit down with you in a sub-committee to see how much can be released before Christmas,” the President said.

    The statement said that no mention of “all workers arrears”, was ever made,  by President Buhari.

    “For Nigerians without sources other than their salary, I am concerned that workers should be able to pay rent, school fees, buy drugs and take care of their families. I am so much concerned that people should have something to eat for Christmas,” President Muhammadu Buhari declared.”

    The statement added “The governors had appealed to the President to once again  authorise the Finance ministry and the other officials to hasten the payment of the remainder of the Paris and London Clubs loan refunds as they had factored the monies into their 2018 budgets.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari’s instruction that the money be paid before Christmas however, draws its background from the series of delays in the previous disbursements to the states by the Finance Ministry, which by commission  or  omission had ex acerbated  and  indeed  increased  the  number  of months that  workers  are owed  salaries.

    “For  example,  the  first  bailout  that  President  Buhari  approved  was not paid until  October, four months after the President had given approval for the money to be paid. It was the same practice with the first tranche of the Paris-London Club repayment, which was approved in mid-2016 but took until December 2016 to hit the states’ accounts. It is imperative to add that the Paris–London funds were legitimate funds of the states and not loans as several sources had thought.

    “Barring any such happenstances, however, governors, who are equally very worried about their workers’ plight, are ready to wipe away workers’ tears by paying their emoluments before Christmas.”

    Aremu, General Secretary of Textile Workers Union, said the 2019 election will be determined by how competent a governor has performed in payment of salaries.

    He said: “If they don’t pay, what will be the moral authority to say private employers should pay? So, they are not only the employers of labour, but they should enforce the law. They are to make sure that employers that are not paying are sanctioned.

    Head of Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) Alhaji Mohammed Kiri who is also a member of the Minimum Wage Committee, said labour was determined to isolate any  state that fails to utilize the Paris Club refund for salary payment.

    He praised Buhari for coming this far and also for giving N800 million each  to states as budget support.

     

     

  • Buhari leaves for Abidjan with governors, Tinubu

    Buhari leaves for Abidjan with governors, Tinubu

    President Muhammadu Buhari left on Tuesday, for Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire to attend the European Union-African Union (EU-AU) summit.

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected at the meeting to be attended by other African leaders.

    The President left with All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governors  Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (Bauchi) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)

    Buhari is expected to participate in working sessions and meet with African heads of state and their European Union counterparts during the summit.

    Read Also: Buhari to attend EU-AU summit in Abidjan

  • Christmas: Buhari advises governors to clear workers’ salaries 

    Christmas: Buhari advises governors to clear workers’ salaries 

    President Muhammadu Buhari  yesterday advised governors to clear workers’ outstanding salaries before Christmas.

    He also approved payment of 50% Paris Club refund.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai broke the news to reporters at the end of the governors’ meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Okorocha said: “It was a brief meeting between the governors and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The President has expressed the need to ensure that every Nigerian, especially the workers has a beautiful Christmas and the issue of outstanding Paris Club was discussed and that was taken care of, to ensure that workers in various states and everywhere in the country get to celebrate the Christmas.

    ”We also used the opportunity to review our working relationship with the President from the states and we found out that we are in harmony. There is no difference between us and the president. Everybody seems to be happy working together. But, particularly, we commended the president for getting Nigeria out of recession within such a short time. We commended Mr. President and everybody left quite happy.

    ”We are looking at getting the balance of Paris Club refund thrashed out once and for all. We also made a request for Mr. President’s approval that the balance should form part of our 2018 budget, because we can’t include it until we are sure that the money is coming. That was also sorted out.

    ”So, as it is now, the issue of workers took the centre stage and Mr. President was concerned about those who depend on their salaries to feed their families and pay their house rent and he had the assurance from the governors that we will meet up those obligations.

    ”It was emphasised that states and federal governments must work together to get Nigeria out of its present economic predicament to make Nigeria a better society for all of us.”

    Asked if all salary arrears will be cleared before Christmas, Okorocha replied: “Yes, with the Paris Club coming, every worker should enjoy his/her Christmas. I made it clear.”

    El-Rufai explained that what the President approved to pay workers before Christmas is the balance of the first 50% Paris Club refund.

    The states have so far received N516 billion in two tranches as Paris Club refund.

    He said: “Let me explain. The Paris Club figures need to be reconciled. While the reconciliation process was going on, the President approved that 50 per cent of the original amount be paid to the states. The payment started from last year. We still have the balance of the first 50 per cent. This is what the President said should be paid to state governments to meet their obligations before Christmas because he’s concerned that many families depend solely on their salaries for rent, for the festive period.

    ”That has been decided. The balance of the first 50 per cent is what we are expecting now before Christmas. The President has approved that and said it must be paid.”

    Asked to give the amount just approved, he said “I don’t know the amount. I’m sure that if you contact the Ministry of Finance, they can give you the total amount. I only know what my state is likely to get.

    “There is another 50 per cent that needs to be paid when the figures are reconciled. The reconciliation is going to be concluded before the end of the year. The Chief of Staff to the President will ensure that the committee working on the reconciliation will conclude the work before the end of the year.

    “So, what the governors are requesting from the President is a directive – ‘go ahead to include the next 50 per cent in your 2018 budget and that is going to be looked at.’

    “Every state will get its own share of the Paris-Club refund. It will not get more. Every state has a specific amount that was deducted. That amount may be enough to cover the arrears; it may not be, because you cannot get more than you are entitled to. It varies from state to state.

    “My state has no salary arrears at all. So, it’s a mute issue. Kano doesn’t have salary arrears. Whatever we are getting, we just continue with our development projects. Some states have salary arrears that are bigger than the Paris Club refund they are getting. Even when they get it, they will not be able to clear the salary arrears. But it is better to reduce it so that people will have happier Christmas.”

     

  • Increase state’s revenue, governors tell Fed Govt

    Increase state’s revenue, governors tell Fed Govt

    Governors of the Southeast and Southsouth have demanded for a corresponding increase in federal allocation to states in line with the current increase in oil price in the international market.

    The governors, under the aegis of the Southsouth and Southeast Governors’ Forum, made their position known in a communiqué issued after their Sunday meeting at the

    Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    At the meeting were the Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

    Deputy Governors of Cross River and Anambra, Prof Ivara Esu and Nkem Okeke, represented their principals.

    The governors lamented that allocation to states have continued to reduce despite increase in oil prices and production capacity, insisting that such increases must reflect the financial fortunes of the states.

    They said they needed more money to fix the abysmal state of roads in their zones and urged the Federal Government to release federal roads to states where they are located and facilitate legislation which would ease concession of such roads.

    The governors appealed for urgent government intervention on some critical infrastructure in the zones, such as the Port Harcourt International Airport; Margaret Ekpo

    International Airport, Calabar; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri, among others.

    Apparently worried by the shoddy approach to infrastructural development by some agencies of the Federal Government operating in the regions, the forum appealed to the Federal Government to impress upon the agencies to liaise with the respective state governments in the identification and execution of projects.

    According to the forum, such approach will ensure that the projects are in line with the state’s development agenda.

    The communiqué, signed by the forum’s chairman, Udom Emmanuel, reiterated the zone’s earlier decision to move in the same direction, which would be beneficial to them.

    Emmanuel said the commitment and zeal his colleagues have demonstrated to address the challenges that beset the regions showed the formation of the forum was long overdue.

     

     

  • South-South, South-East Governors demand increased revenue allocation 

    South-South, South-East Governors demand increased revenue allocation 

    South-South and South-East Governors  have called for the increment of the  monthly Federation Allocation to states  to reflect the rise in oil prices and production.

    The Governors made the request  during its meeting on Sunday night at the Government House, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.

    In attendance at the meeting were: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State Governor,  Ifeanyi Ugwanyi and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

    Others are: Anambra State Deputy Governor , Dr Nkem Okeke, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ivra Esu.

    In an opening remark at the meeting, Interim Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel said: “While our collective resolve for an indivisible Nigeria remains a cherish response, we wish  to appeal to the Federal Government to demonstrate transparency  in the area of allocation of resources to different parts  of the country.

    “It is indeed worrisome that allocations from the Federation Accounts do not seem to reflect  the increase of crude oil production and improve  in oil prices.

    “If our people suffered on account of the slump in global oil prices, the rise in the oil prices should not only improve  allocations  to the states to enable the governors  meet  the expectations of their people, it will also help the  states  to develop in the areas  that  the Federal Government has been unable to reach out to the states. ”

    He said as long as the two regions consolidate on her cooperation, it will enhance their  bargaining power in the country.

    He said those who appear threatened by what the cooperation  can achieve, have been secretly  working to create division in the forum.

    The Forum Chairman expressed happiness  that there is a great commitment  to overcome the challenges of disunity that affected  cooperation in the past.

    The forum chairman stated: “May I use  this opportunity to register my profound appreciation to Your Excellencies for reaching  a landmark decision that the two regions should henceforth go in one direction that will be beneficial  to the political future of the people of both regions.

    “This  decision is heartwarming and holds the hope for the political security of our people within the Nigerian entity.”

    He added: “Facts indicate that the formation  of this body was long overdue.  That it has finally come is a testimony of a renewed strategy  that is a template with global best practices.

    “The cooperation we are rapidly building, the forthrightness we are exuding in our collective challenges, is reassuring.  I am confident that  our people  will be better for it.In our previous meetings, we identified  some of problems which includes, the dearth of infrastructure in both regions, the rising tides of agitation in different parts of the country, the call for restructuring and issues of security. ”

    Commenting on the Anambra State Governorship Election, the forum congratulated Governor Willie Obiano on his re-election.

    The Forum declared: “His success at the polls, speaks eloquently of the trust that the good people of Anambra State have in his ability  to carry out the onerous task of building a prosperous state for his people.

    “I also wish  to commend the  people of Anambra State for the mature and responsible  way they conducted themselves during  the polls.This is a testimony to the deepening  of the democratic culture amongst our people. And also a testimony  that South-South and South-East have  fully deepened democracy in the region.”

    While decrying the poor road infrastructure  in the two regions, the Akwa Ibom State Governor suggested that the Federal Government relinquish all federal roads in the area to the states.

  • Atiku splits PDP governors

    Atiku splits PDP governors

    Makarfi, others listed for 2019

    Adamawa APC gets ex-VP’s resignation letter

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are split over the expected defection of ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to the party and his bid for the presidential ticket.

    Some of the governors and party leaders prefer National Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Makarfi,   former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and one-time Governor of Kano State Ibrahim Shekarau.

    There were indications that some of the governors might oppose former President Goodluck Jonathan’s plan to back Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.

    They claim not to have been consulted by Jonathan.

    Atiku has continued his  consultations prior to his return and registration as a PDP member in Jada 1 Ward, Adamawa State.

    The Adamawa chapter of the APC yesterday confirmed the receipt of Atiku’s resignation letter.

    State Secretary of APC Alhaji Saidu Nera confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

    Nera said he was yet to get the letter but the party officials of Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area where Atiku registered had told him that they had received the letter.

    Atiku spent the weekend holding talks with some of PDP’s Northeast Zonal executives; Adamawa PDP executives and party leaders from Jada Local Government, Jada 1 Ward and zonal executives.

    PDP State Secretary Abdulllahi Prambe described the meetings as fruitful.

    “Our meeting with him has been fruitful and from his body language, he will soon return to PDP,” Prambe said.

    “With Atiku, the party will carry more weight and more people will also troop in,” he said.

    It was learnt that Atiku might meet Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Ishaku Darius (Taraba) in Abuja this week on his plans to return to the PDP and seek their cooperation.

    Although he was silent on when he would rejoin the PDP, there were speculations that he might re-register in  Jada 1 Ward of PDP on December 6.

    It was learnt that some of the PDP governors might have opted to work for Makarfi when he leaves office at the National Convention on December 9.

    The governors have reportedly said they were “not keen to work for Atiku”.

    A governor who spoke in confidence said: “Not all the PDP governors have bought into the Atiku agenda, we are not united on him.  If we have our way, some of us will go for Makarfi who has shown uncommon leadership in reuniting PDP. And those of us in this group are encouraging him to join the presidential race.

    “Some of our leaders also prefer Lamido or Shekarau. If we have any issue with Makarfi, it is about rumours on his health and we have conducted our research, the ex-governor is as fit as a fiddle. It is all propaganda.

    “As I am talking to you, we have not been fully consulted by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Atiku’s candidature.

    “At the end of the day, we will follow the rule of law, the  party’s constitution and go to the field to elect a presidential candidate.  What if our members decide not to grant Atiku a waiver to contest the presidential primaries?  ”He is a new member, he can as well queue like others.

    “Some of our leaders speak about Atiku as a political asset in the North but he was a distant third in the APC presidential primaries. We won’t be blind on our choice this time around. I think programmes and not personality should matter to PDP.”

    A former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) said: “Some of the governors have been working behind the scene with Jonathan on the Atiku project. We see him as a game changer and that is why we are desperate to woo him.

    A fresh twist to Atiku’s exit from APC emerged yesterday following the revelation that he left the ruling party since October 18.

    Notwithstanding the discrepancy in the date of resignation and formal announcement of his exit, Atiku’s letter, which was sent to the chairman of Jada 1Ward, reads: “I wish to inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this ward with effect from the date of this letter (October 18, 2017).

    “I am resigning from a party we formed and worked so hard with fellow compatriots across the country to place in government. I had hope that the APC government will make improvements to the lives of our people and the continued existence and development of Nigeria as one indivisible nation. This hope has now been dashed.

    “I am unable to reconcile myself with the dismal performance of the party in government, especially in relation to the continued polarization of our people along ethnic and religious lines, which is threatening our unity more than any other time in the recent past, and the unbearable hardship that our people are currently undergoing.

    “As I said in 2006, it is the struggle for democracy, constitutionalism and service to my country and my people that are driving my choice. Let me emphasize, again, that this is not about me. We have to have a country before people can aspire to lead it.

    “While wishing you well, let me  express the hope that, in the near future, a substantial number of you will join forces with us to, once again, defeat impunity, and restore vision and purpose to the politics of our great country. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

    Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has described Atiku’s resignation from the APC as “a disgrace.”

    The ex-governor who spoke at the weekend during the inauguration of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) office in Ringim local government of the state, said:  “If Atiku would quit this party it will be morally wrong for any Nigerian to continue to patronise the APC

    “It is unfortunate that the APC that comprises of those seen as “saints” could be classified by Atiku as a symbole of poverty, betrayal,  disrespectful and a dungeon of hell”.

    He pleaded with the former leaders of the PDP in the APC to retrace their steps.

    He named Senate President Bukola Saraki,  Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and Senator Aliyu Wammako.

    He said: “We had known that sooner or later this would happen, because it is an amalgamation of strange bed fellows that formed the APC that people like Atiku felt he could support its course, yet today they have betrayed him and they will all betray you if you don’t leave them”, he declared.

    But Accord Party chieftain Dr. Doyin Okupe advised opposition parties to form a coalition if they hope to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC in the 2019 general elections.

    Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as presently constituted, is weak to upstage APC from power but should team up with other parties to realise the dream.

    Okupe described Accord as a veritable third force that is blowing like a whirlwind across the Southwest Nigeria and the country at large, expressing confidence that the party would win the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State.

    He spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at the weekend during the election and inauguration of the party’s State executive and the official adoption of Banjo Ojo as the governorship candidate for the 2018 election.

    At the event, 500 members of the PDP, APC and Labour Party defected to the party and were received by the State chairman of the party, Chief Abiola Odeoba and National Chairman, Mr. Lawan Nalado.

    Okupe said: “It took a coalition in 1998 to be able to send away military. The coalition crystallized into PDP, won election  and held it for 16 years.

    “It took a coalition of forces again in 2015 to be able to wrest power from the PDP and that is what Nigerians should do in 2019.”

  • Most governors backing Buhari for 2019, says Okorocha

    Most governors backing Buhari for 2019, says Okorocha

    •‘President is best bet for Nigeria’

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday gave an indication that President Muhammadu Buhari may have a smooth sail in his re-election come 2019.

    Okorocha said all the 36 state governors, except two, have endorsed the President for a second term.

    The governor, who categorically stated that all the Southeast governors are backing Buhari for a second term, said the support cuts across party lines.

    He added: “We are not ruling out a situation where all political parties in Nigeria will adopt Buhari as the sole presidential candidate.”

    Okorocha, who spoke while addressing leaders of a pro-Buhari group, the Democratic Youths Congress (DYC), who visited him at the Government, stated that “Buhari remains the best for the country at the moment and that there could not have been a better option now”.

    He told the group that he has jettisoned his presidential ambition for 2019 to support Buhari, urging Nigerians to support the President for re-election in 2019.

    The governor said: “I am a believer of Buhari and I made it clear years ago that if President Buhari is running for President, I will not run.  People have forgotten history that I ran with him during the ANPP days and in 2015.  Now, God has chosen him to be the President of Nigeria and some of us now are witnesses that Buhari was and is still the best for Nigeria at this material time.

    “This is because I have seen a man that has the strength of character to lead this Nigeria at this moment of our history. There is no better President for Nigeria now under the situation we found ourselves than President Buhari. These are some of the considerations that informed my support for his re-election.”

    The group’s National Chairman, Kassim Muhammed Kassim, told the governor that the visit was to appeal to him to shelve his ambition for 2019 and back Buhari’s re-election.

    He said:  “We have gathered here to plead with you, to appeal to you to shelve your well-deserved ambition of running for the office of the President in 2019. You are more than qualified and well-loved across the regions of this nation. But at this moment, we plead that you support President Buhari to complete his good works for the nation.”

  • Alex Ekwueme (1932 – 2017):Governors mourn over Ekwueme’s death

    Alex Ekwueme (1932 – 2017):Governors mourn over Ekwueme’s death

    GOVERNORS across the federation yesterday expressed sadness over the demise of the first Vice President of Nigeria and elder statesman Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    Ekwueme, who was the first elected Vice-President of Nigeria in office from 1979 to 1983 died in a London Hospital at the age of 85 after a brief illness.

    He was a complete gentleman, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode , in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the late Ekwueme as a complete gentleman, a thorough bred scholar, a philanthropist and a politician per excellence, who contributed his own quota to serving his country and humanity.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a man of many parts. He was a scholar of repute, who had so many academic awards to his name. Not only did he bag degrees in Philosophy, History, Sociology, Law as well as Architecture and City Planning, he was a successful businessman to the core and impacted on the lives of his people positively.

    “He was also a detribalised Nigerian, who was committed to the course of a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria. He believed so much in all-inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ambode, while commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.

     

    Aregbesola: His death marks end of an era  

     

    Osun State Governor  Rauf Aregbesola described the death of Ekwueme  as the end of an era.

    He said late Ekwueme was one of the finest politicians the nation has ever produced.

    Aregbesola, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr.  Sola Fasure, described the former vice president’s exit as a big blow to the nation, saying his death is a wound that will linger for a very long time.

    According to the governor,  Ekwueme served the country in the highest capacity with such untiring gusto uncommon among politicians of his age bracket.

    He noted that though Ekwueme finally succumbed to death after battling with old age related illness, he had a glorious exit, having lived for 85 fulfilling years.

    The governor said Ekwueme was one of the architects of the democracy “we now enjoy, being a prominent member of a group of 38 elders who stood firmly to confront military dictatorship and demanded the exit of the soldiers from government”.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and good people of the State of Osun, I send heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of Chief Ekwueme, the government and people of Anambra State and the Federal Government of Nigeria through President Muhammadu Buhari.  May the good Lord grant the repose his soul in his next estate,” he said.

     

    Amosun: a great loss to the nation

     

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun described it as a great loss to the nation.

    Amosun, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, said the deceased was an exemplary politician, selfless leader, relentless community leader, renowned architect and zealous philanthropist.

    “His bold efforts to gather 34 eminent Nigerians (G34), to confront the former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, despite the risk, no doubt, fuelled the agitations for and the subsequent evolution of a democratic government, which has lasted for 18 years in the country,” Amosun said.

    It’s painful, says

    Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the late Ekwueme was a true statesman, whose selfless and meritorious service to God, country and humanity was felt by all.

    In a message of condolence issued in Sokoto by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Ekwueme was a distinguished legal luminary, exemplary politician and a great community leader.

    “For us in Sokoto, Dr. Ekwueme’s death comes with extra pain because he was Vice President to one of our distinguished sons, Turakin Sokoto, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

    “The deceased proved himself an able lieutenant who together with other members of their team, gave their best for the unity, progress and stability of the Nigerian federation in the Second Republic and beyond.

     

    Dickson: immortalise him

     

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson described the late Second Republic Vice-President as an icon of democracy and urged the Federal Government to immortalise him.

    Dickson said the late vice president used politics as a tool to serve and not to be served.

    “In truth, Ekwueme was a gentleman politician, consummate democrat, a hero and an icon of democracy, who believed in the rule of law and ventured into politics to serve”, he said.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, said the passing of the elder statesman, was a monumental loss to Nigeria and Africa.

     

    Ugwuanyi: a statesman has fallen

     

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said Ekwueme’s death signalled yet another depletion in the dwindling ranks of elder statesmen with an abiding love for country and humanity.

    In a statement issued in Enugu, the governor said: “We received the news of his passing with deep sadness and consider it a huge loss not only to his family but to the entire country.

    “We mourn with his family and, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, offer them our deepest condolences and express our gratitude for their gift of this icon of democracy.”

     

    Fayose, Akeredolu mourn

     

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Fayose commiserated with the Ekwueme Family, the people of Anambra State and Nigerians over Ekwueme’s demise.

    He said: “Moreover, Dr. Ekwueme’s contributions to the formation of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, are etched in our minds.”

    Ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the death of the Second Republic Vice President as an irreparable loss to the country.

    Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS), said Nigeria has lost one of its brightest and ebullient democrats.

    According to him, “Although death is a necessary end, but it is saddening that Dr. Alex Ekwueme departs the country at a time when the ideals and social justice he used his energy and intellectual prowess to fight for in his life times have yet to be achieved.

    “The young generation will surely miss the Second Republic vice president, who stood for the uprightness and unity of our dear country.”

     

     

     

     

    ‘He was the Nigerian bridge that held Nigeria together’

     

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello said the late former Vice President was the bridge that held Nigeria together for decades.

    In a condolence message, the governor described the late elder statesman as a thorough administrator, decent politician and a nationalist who saw Nigeria as a project of unity.

    According to the governor, “the late Alex Ekwueme was an example of excellent leadership”.

    He said the late Second Republic VP rendered selfless service to his fatherland, “standing on the podium of truth, sacrifice and progress all his life”.

    He expressed confidence that the Nigerian nation will immortalise the good name and sterling values Ekwueme lived for, and called on the new generation politicians and Nigerians to mirror his spirit of service to humanity.

     

     

     

     

  • Obasanjo, Jonathan used police against governors, says Senate panel

    Obasanjo, Jonathan used police against governors, says Senate panel

    •Senators hail Buhari for ordering return of Obiano’s security details

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan used the police as a political tool against perceived opponents, the Senate Committee on Police Affairs alleged yesterday.

    The committee was mandated by the Senate in plenary on Wednesday to ensure immediate compliance to its resolution demanding the reinstatement of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano’s security details.

    The upper chamber asked the committee to follow up the resolution and report back to the Senate yesterday.

    Chaired by Senator Abu Ibrahim, the committee said in its report that “it is significant and exemplary” that President Muhammadu Buhari  ordered the immediate reinstatement of the governor’s security aides even before the Senate resolution.

    It described the withdrawal of Obiano’s security aides as “most unfortunate,” and added that “it is heartwarming that the police authorities have explained that the action was not intended to cause the governor any injury or harm”.

    The committee said: “Nigerians must not forget however that the perceived use of the police to persecute a sitting governor was actually made a best-practice tool by immediate past administrations.

    “In those days of impunity, the directives (to use the police to persecute political opponents) were directly linked to the presidency and the then sitting presidents never issued any instructions to counter the positions of the police and security services.

    “The following examples illustrate clearly: ‘Dr. Chris Ngige as the then Governor of Anambra State suffered abduction and when he regained freedom and attempted to castigate the powers that be at the federal level, his security details were withdrawn on January 2, 2005.

    “In April 2007, a few days to the election, ’higher’ authorities ordered the withdrawal of the ADC and the CSO to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The APC leader was also threatened with arrest in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.

    “In September 2013, the then Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, was harassed on several occasions with the threat of withdrawal of his security aides.

    “While his were repeated threats, the President of this Distinguished Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was not that lucky. His aides were actually withdrawn in September 2013 as punishment for his support of the rebellion within the then ruling PDP.

    “In February 2014, the security details attached to the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, were withdrawn on the orders of the presidency. The same man suffered the same fate again when he became the Emir of Kano in June 2014.

    “The Emir’s palace was sealed off by the police to prevent him from entering it and he had to assume his responsibilities from within the confines of the Kano State government House.

    “It is also on record that at the same time, security aides to the then Governor (now senator) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were withdrawn. All on ’orders from above’.

    “The then Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State had his security details withdrawn in April 2014.

    “In October 2014, the security details of the then Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, were withdrawn. This was after a blatant attempt was made to effect his impeachment.”

    Following President Buhari’s order for the immediate reinstatement of Obianor’s security aides, the issue was not raised on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

  • Governors confident as peace accord is planned   

    Governors confident as peace accord is planned   

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has reiterated the confidence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors that the party would emerge stronger after the December 9 convention.

    Speaking to reporters in the early morning yesterday after the meeting with chairmanship candidates in Enugu, Fayose, who is the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said: “We put PDP first and PDP is first. We are leaving Enugu believing that we will take power at the centre in 2019.”

    Flanked by other PDP governors, Fayose expressed the belief that the party would win Saturday’s governorship poll in Anambra State.

    “We believe we will take over Anambra if the election is free, fair and credible.

    “Nigeria is of age to conduct election that is acceptable internationally,” he said.

    Fayose said that the governors met to deliberate on the forthcoming national convention and discussed with the chairmanship aspirants.

    According to him, the convention will serve as a template for future conventions.

    All the chairmanship aspirants are to sign a peace accord today at the national secretariat in Abuja.

    Chief Raymond Dokpesi, one of the aspirants, described the move as part of efforts by the aspirants to ensure that the party comes out of the convention stronger and united.

    “With that accord being signed, we are going to look forward to a very peaceful and harmonious convention.”

    Dokpesi said the party was explicit enough on the issue of zoning.

    He said the party’s presidential ticket was zoned to the North. The chairman is to come from the South.  There is no specific reference to  states or geopolitical region.

    ”After the zoning principle, all the aspirants have agreed to work together to come up with a common position. Anybody can contest.

    “If the party in its wisdom and the aspirants agree within themselves and notify the party early enough that would be fine.”